England vs India 2018, 1st ODI - England Predicted XI

One of the most awaited tours of the English summer commenced with India running away with the T20I series in a comprehensive manner. Now a bigger challenge awaits the Men in Blue as they have to combat with the England ODI contingent, who probably are the best in the world in this format right now.

Take nothing away from the Indian ODI side as well, that has been in scintillating form of late. They managed to defeat South Africa on their soil for the first time in their history and are running high on confidence. Indian legend MS Dhoni will be hogging a lot of limelight as he approaches ever so close to the 10,000-run mark.

England annihilated a desolated Aussie side a few weeks ago. Their confidence levels right now are touching the sky and it will be incredibly difficult for the Indians to bring them down. Having said that, if anyone can get the better of this English unit, it has to be this Indian side. Here’s the predicted English XI for this blockbuster contest.

Openers – Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow

One of the most explosive batsmen in the modern generation, Jason Roy went through a brief phase when he wasn’t in great touch a few months ago. But the lad is now in full flow, taking the bowlers to the cleaners regardless of the situation. Stating that he will be a key would be an understatement.

Jonny Bairstow’s rise as a dependable batsman in the last few years is one inspirational story. To think about this set up without this batsman is very difficult, such is the importance he holds. His versatility to bat at any position comes in very handy for the skipper.

Middle Order – Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (WK)

Touted as one of the best in the generation, Joe Root‘s inability to convert 50s into 100s has been one of the major talking points of discussion these days. He will be eager to get some big scores in this series as a good performance against India garners a lot more attention than most other things.

Eoin Morgan has been leading this side exceptionally and whenever needed, he will shine with the bat. His consistency is priceless for the side. Their most important batsman right now would be Jos Buttler going by current form. He’s being hailed as the best finisher in the world currently and now he has to do it when the greatest ever finisher will be watching him from behind the stumps.

All-rounders – Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes

Two priceless all-rounders Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes in good form and get half the match completed. In the brief period when Ben Stokes was out of the side, Moeen Ali failed to perform well but with his partner in crime back in hunt, he will be more confident to pull up some good performances.

Stokes needs no introduction, but his performances ever since he came back from that incident hasn’t been at par. But that takes nothing away from this talented all-rounder, who is an absolute game-changer. He will want to soak things in and then punch back with the weight he carries on his back.

Bowlers – Mark Wood, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett

Mark Wood, David Willey and Liam Plunkett are likely to get into the side as the seam bowling trio. Another seam bowling option for Morgan is Stokes, which precisely means he has no worries with the team selection. Though he wouldn’t give him all ten overs.

Adil Rashid will partner Moeen in the spin department and both these players will have a tough time in this series. Indians are usually very strong against spinners and it’ll be interesting to see how these men strategize and get the better of this talented batting order.

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